Staff Tony Kemp

[WahsaurusRex]

Tony Kemp

(I will try remove the watermark later, this photo is just too funny not to have here- looks like a Big Lez character)​

 

[mt.wellington]

Tony Kemp suspended over harassment​

Michael Burgess​

7 Apr, 2013 05:30 AM

An NZRL spokesman confirmed Kemp had been stood down as general manager of high performance. Photo / File

Former Warriors coach Tony Kemp has been suspended from his job at the New Zealand Rugby League, pending an investigation into claims of sexual harassment.

It is understood there was more than one complainant and they were working part or full time at the NZRL. The investigation, by independent experts, is expected to be concluded this week.

An NZRL spokesman confirmed Kemp had been stood down as general manager of high performance.

Chief executive Phil Holden said he was unable to comment on "an individual employment issue" but was sure the issue wouldn't affect the Kiwis' arrangements ahead of the Anzac test in less than two weeks and in World Cup year.

Kemp, who played 25 tests for the Kiwis and was a stalwart of Newcastle in the NRL, has been leading plans for the World Cup in England and France.

NZRL administration manager Carmen Taplin said Kemp had not returned to work after taking time off to coach his son's rowing team for the Maadi Cup regatta two weeks ago.

"I am worried about him and I have been trying to call him but haven't been able to reach him," she said.

She said the allegations were a shock.

"I have worked with him for years and we have been on eight tours together, staying in hotels and going to social functions, and I have seen nothing but professionalism.

"He has been amazing support for me and I am very close to him, so it is very hard to understand."

Kemp split with wife Jan last year and they sold their Coatesville home.

NZRL staff member Sash Stosic said Kemp was a good friend.

"He's always been one of the boys and men talk about their experiences and have good times, but nothing more."

Stosic said Kemp had encouraged women into the game, to promote a family-oriented culture. Kemp did not return calls yesterday.

The Human Rights Commission received 70 sexual harassment complaints in 2011 and 2012 - though it's believed that several times that many went unreported.

Last year, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner at the time, Dr Judy McGregor, said it was astounding sexual harassment continued to be a problem, given the huge amount of prevention and safety material available.

"I am mindful that the numbers who come to the commission and other bodies are only the tip of the iceberg. Women who face sexual harassment at work often simply end up leaving the organisation."

An Australian Human Rights Commission report found more than one in five women experienced sexual harassment at work but only 20 per cent made a formal complaint.

Employment law specialist Blair Edwards said he had dealt with about 20 cases in the past two years.

"It is a good idea to suspend the person who is accused or at least move them to another site away from the complainant," he said.

Edwards said sexual harassment could be any unwelcome comments or conduct of a sexual nature.

Sports boss stood down

Tony Kemp has been suspended from his job at the New Zealand Rugby League, pending an investigation into claims of sexual harassment.

www.nzherald.co.nz

 

[mt.wellington]

League boss quits after sex probe​

Michael Burgess​

14 Apr, 2013 05:30 AM2 mins to read

Tony Kemp. Photo / NZPA

Harassment investigation completed, and high-profile Tony Kemp leaves top jobs.

Top sports star and administrator Tony Kemp has resigned from his New Zealand Rugby League job.

Kemp has departed one week before he was supposed to manage the Kiwi squad for the Anzac test against the Kangaroos in Canberra.

Last week, the Herald on Sunday reported Kemp had been suspended as general manager of high performance pending an independent investigation into sexual harassment allegations against him.

That investigation was concluded last week.

"It is with regret that I advise of the resignation of Tony Kemp," NZRL chief executive Phil Holden said in a written statement.

"Tony leaves the NZRL after three years to pursue new opportunities. Tony's contribution has been significant over that period, particularly with regard to the high performance area of the sport and the Kiwis.

"He has created a legacy that will endure for some time. We thank him for his contribution, over that period and wish him well in his future endeavours."

Holden refused to comment on the outcome of the investigation.

Kemp was Kiwis team manager, and in recent times, he was often the spokesman on player eligibility issues which have plagued the sport.

He also played a leading role in efforts to retain New Zealand-born players who had moved to Australia.

Kemp has been central to establishing new national under-16 and under-18 teams, to help provide options for New Zealand youngsters being targeted by Australian clubs.

His role as manager for Friday's Anzac test will be filled by Kiwis assistant coach Tony Iro, who will also take over as head of high performance.

League boss quits after sex probe - NZ Herald

Top sports star and administrator Tony Kemp has resigned from his New Zealand Rugby League job.

www.nzherald.co.nz